#25: Jonathan Alter - "His Very Best"

We talk with prominent historian and political commentator Jonathan Alter about his new biography of Jimmy Carter, "His Very Best." Alter explains why it's time to reassess Carter's presidency, in that it's political difficulties should not mar its long-term policy gains. From the 1978 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty, to the environment, to human rights to normalizing relations with China, Alter argues that the caricature of Carter as a failure is too simple. Alter also describes how the 39th president revolutionized the office, both by elevating the role of First Lady to policy advisor, and by giving the vice president a role to play in major policy decisions. Alter also describes how Carter's personality, upbringing and approach to the job impacted how the White House operated. In the end, though Carter was swamped by events in Iran, the energy crisis and Ronald Reagan, Alter says Carter belongs on the list of impactful presidents.

His Twitter profile can be found @jonathanalter and his website is jonathanalter.com

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